California Italian Wedding Soup

4.7
(259)
198 Reviews
32 Photos

This is my variation of a standard Italian wedding soup recipe. I like fresh basil and a little lemon rind, so those are basically my only changes. This is a quick and easy soup with flavors that impress all.

Submitted by Deena Patel
Updated on August 8, 2022
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
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closeup of a spoon lifting orzo, spinach, and broth from a bowl of meatball soup
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Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
6
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • ½ pound extra-lean ground beef

  • 1 egg, lightly beaten

  • 2 tablespoons Italian-seasoned bread crumbs

  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tablespoons shredded fresh basil leaves

  • 1 tablespoon chopped Italian flat leaf parsley (Optional)

  • 2 green onions, sliced (Optional)

  • 5 ¾ cups chicken broth

  • 2 cups finely sliced escarole (spinach may be substituted)

  • 1 lemon, zested

  • ½ cup orzo (rice-shaped pasta), uncooked

  • grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Directions

  1. Mix together beef, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, basil, parsley, and green onions; shape into 3/4-inch meatballs.

  2. Pour broth into a large saucepan over high heat. When boiling, drop in meatballs. Stir in escarole, lemon zest, and orzo. Return to a boil; reduce heat to medium. Cook at a slow boil for 10 minutes or until orzo is tender, stirring frequently. Serve sprinkled with cheese.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

159 Calories
6g Fat
15g Carbs
12g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 159
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6g 7%
Saturated Fat 2g 11%
Cholesterol 55mg 18%
Sodium 99mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 15g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 12g 23%
Vitamin C 4mg 5%
Calcium 47mg 4%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 200mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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